Pentagon (cont'd) "We will not condone the use of any Coalition-provided weapons and equipment for any purpose other than to defeat ISIS. If we identify any group or individuals violating this agreement, we will investigate and cut off equipment support."

Pentagon, on if SDF is moving in toward Manbij: "Partner forces in Syria are not under the command and control of the Coalition and we do not speak on their behalf regarding ground movements. Our local partners are focused on stability and deterring ISIS.

Second US administration official rejects Turkish contention that the White House readout was written before the call happened and that issues in statement were not raised by Trump: "All the points in the readout were raised in the call."

OIR Spokesman: Citizens cast their votes in a local election in Raqqa, Syria this week. The representatives elected will provide leadership for rebuilding Raqqa following years of brutal ISIS occupation. Another step toward stabilization and return to normalcy through local, inclusive governance

In dispute over Trump-Erdogan call on Turkey's military offensive in Syria, Trump administration official this AM rejects Turkish claims that White House readout is inaccurate: "The White House's readout is accurate and speaks for itself."

Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu on Tillerson's proposal on 30-km depth safe zone in Syria: First we need to repair the broken trust between Turkey and U.S, it is not right to discuss these issues without rebuilding trust first

CNN Turk: White House readout on phone call between Erdoğan and Trump does not reflect the precise content of the conversation. U.S President Trump did not mention "concern on escalating violence" regarding the op in Afrin

Brett McGurk: Afrin situation developed as we were leaving. US engaged intensively to urge restraint and de-escalation. We are prepared to work with Turkey on legitimate security concerns, but prolonged operation risks giving life to ISIS as its on verge of defeat.

There are no US forces in Afrin but there are in Manbij, where they've advised/assisted anti-ISIS Kurds - earlier Turkey's @RT Erdogan said "Hopefully, starting from Manbij, we will continue by thwarting this game along our borders and we will completely wipe out this trouble"

According to statistics compiled by the @airwars watchdog group, there were nearly 50% more coalition air strikes in Iraq and Syria in 2017 compared with the previous year. Civilian deaths rose by 215%.

US Department of State: Secretary Tillerson spoke with Russia FM Lavrov today. They discussed Russia's role in ensuring the Syria Assad government plays a constructive role in UN-led Geneva process, North Korea, and the need for deescalation and Russian implementation of Minsk commitments in Ukraine.

Turkish army to set up a total of 12 observation points that form the borders of the de-escalation zone around Idlib. Russia wants to reopen the M5 Damascus-Aleppo highway runs through rebel held territory.

We respect your privacy. Our website is using cookies for 3rd party advertising, analytics, language and user settings. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.